When it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes — they’re my absolute favorite way to beat the winter chill with something festive, fluffy, and irresistible. The magic lies in the velvety eggnog and farm-fresh eggs, infusing every bite with holiday warmth, creamy richness, and subtle spice. Imagine a stack of pancakes that tastes like Christmas in July, crowned with a cascade of maple syrup or a snowy dollop of whipped cream. These pancakes are what comfort food dreams are made of!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for when it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes is refreshingly short, yet every element is a building block of flavor. From holiday-favorite eggnog to cinnamon and nutmeg, each ingredient plays a key role in creating pancakes that are light, luscious, and packed with personality.
- Eggnog (250 ml): The star of the show — use homemade if you’ve got it, or pick up your favorite store-bought for instant festive flavor and rich, creamy texture.
- Pace Farm Eggs (2 large): Fresh eggs give the pancakes their structure and beautiful golden color — don’t skip on quality here!
- Melted Butter (2 tbsp, plus more for the pan): This adds rich flavor and guarantees those irresistible buttery edges.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Just a splash boosts the aromatic, dessert-like note that makes these pancakes sing.
- Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Adds caramel sweetness and helps tenderize the pancakes for a soft and fluffy result.
- Plain Flour (180 g): Your canvas — sift for even fluffier pancakes.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp): The secret to lift and airy pancakes that never turn out dense.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Essential for enhancing that classic holiday warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Offers a subtle nutty spice, deepening the eggnog flavor beautifully.
- Pinch of Salt: Brings out all the other flavors, making the spices and sweetness pop!
- Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, whipped cream, extra nutmeg, and berries or banana — make every stack your own masterpiece.
How to Make When it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes
Step 1: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Start off by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggnog, two vibrant Pace Farm eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Take a moment to enjoy the sweet, spiced aroma wafting up as everything comes together — this is the batter base that sets the tone for your pancakes. Whisk gently until silky smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, measure and mix the plain flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a good pinch of salt. This combo ensures that every bite of your pancakes is evenly seasoned and delightfully fluffy. Give it a quick stir with a fork or whisk to fluff things up and evenly distribute the spices.
Step 3: Bring It All Together (But Don’t Overmix!)
Pour those fragrant dry ingredients over your wet mixture. Now, whisk them together just until no large streaks of flour remain. This is crucial: don’t overmix or you’ll end up with tough pancakes; a few lumps are perfectly normal and actually help create that soft, tender crumb. When it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes—embrace the cozy imperfection!
Step 4: Heat Up and Grease the Pan
Place a non-stick pan (or griddle, if you’re feeling fancy) over medium heat, then brush it lightly with a bit of extra melted butter. You want the pan just hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles, but not smoking. The buttery layer creates golden, crisp edges that are pancake perfection.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour the batter onto your waiting pan — each round blooming into a thick, puffy disc. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting bubbles form and the edges look set. That’s your cue to flip! Cook another minute or two until both sides are golden and your kitchen smells like a holiday bakery.
Step 6: Top and Serve Warm
Slide your finished pancakes onto a plate and serve pronto, while they’re still warm and pillowy. When it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes and don’t hold back on the toppings — maple syrup, whipped cream, dusted nutmeg, berries… whatever makes you smile.
How to Serve When it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes
Garnishes
The joy of when it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes is all in the finishing touches! Go classic with a generous pour of maple syrup and a cloud of whipped cream, or dust with extra nutmeg for a café-worthy vibe. Fresh berries or banana slices add bright bursts of color and tang to balance out the rich, spiced flavors.
Side Dishes
If you’re brunching in style, serve your eggnog pancakes alongside crispy bacon, holiday ham, or even a platter of fresh fruit. Hot coffee, spiced chai, or a steaming mug of cocoa makes the whole experience extra cozy. Trust me, when it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes with your favorite sides and you’ve got the dreamiest winter brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Pancake stacks look instantly festive when layered on a cake stand and crowned with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. For a playful twist, cut pancakes into fun shapes using cookie cutters, then let friends or kids decorate their own. Or try arranging mini pancakes in a wreath shape and dot with berries for a totally Instagram-worthy holiday breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pancakes tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and tasty in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to reheat for a spontaneous treat whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy when it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes all season long, simply freeze the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and you’ll have festive pancakes ready to enjoy for up to two months — perfect for busy mornings!
Reheating
To recapture that just-cooked warmth and fluffiness, reheat cold or frozen pancakes in a toaster, oven, or skillet until steaming hot. Avoid microwaving for too long, which can make them chewy instead of light — just a quick zap will do if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Absolutely! There are great dairy-free eggnogs on the market, as well as plant-based butters. Swap them in one-for-one and you’ll still get all the festive flavor, perfect for when it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes for every guest.
What if I don’t have Pace Farm eggs?
Any fresh, good-quality large eggs will work, but Pace Farm eggs offer unbeatable color and flavor. If possible, seek out similar free-range or local eggs for the best results!
Can the batter sit overnight?
It can! Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, whisk the batter gently to recombine (add a splash more eggnog if it’s thickened), then proceed as usual. When it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes even faster with this shortcut.
How can I make smaller or larger pancakes?
No problem! Use a tablespoon for cute mini silver-dollar pancakes (great for kids or platters) or go big with a half-cup measure. Just adjust the cooking time slightly — keep an eye on those golden edges and rising bubbles.
Can I use store-bought or homemade eggnog?
Both work beautifully! Homemade eggnog adds extra personality, but store-bought is super convenient and still delicious. The most important thing is to use an eggnog you truly enjoy, since its flavor is front and center in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, if you haven’t yet had your winter moment with these pancakes, now’s the time. Cozy up, gather your ingredients, and when it’s cold outside, make eggnog pancakes for yourself, your loved ones, or the whole neighborhood. Each bite is like a festive hug — and honestly, what could be better?